Netherlands: The House of Representatives insists on an exemption from cherry cultivation resources

Published 2024년 4월 26일

Tridge summary

A motion led by Caroline van der Plas of the BBB faction and supported by various political parties, including the outgoing Agriculture Minister Piet Adema, seeks to address the urgent threat to the Dutch cherry industry. The crisis stems from the loss of an exemption for the use of pesticides, Tracer and Exirel, which has allowed German and Belgian competitors to undercut Dutch growers. This situation risks rendering Dutch cherry cultivation unprofitable and undermines the industry's fair competition. While the minister shows willingness to consider a new exemption for cherry growers who have invested in drift-reducing spraying techniques, he cannot promise an extension to other endangered fruit crops without a thorough risk analysis. The motion's authors have called for immediate action to secure the future of cherry growers, as the delay in a decision could lead to the write-off of the harvest. The urgent nature of the situation is underscored by the upcoming spring recess of the House of Representatives.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Before submitting her motion, BBB faction leader Caroline van der Plas handed over a stack of empty cherry trays to outgoing Agriculture Minister Piet Adema. Because, according to her, Dutch cherry cultivation will disappear due to the expiration of the exemption. Her fear is that growers in Germany and Belgium who are allowed to use Tracer and Exirel will take over the Dutch market. According to Van der Plas, the level playing field for Dutch producers is disappearing. Before the vote, PVV, VVD, CDA, ChristenUnie and SGP had already signed the motion, which meant it would certainly be adopted. Adema says he cannot comply with one part of the motion. This calls for a similar exemption for other endangered fruit crops, but that goes too far for the minister. Because that requires an 'adequate risk analysis' for those crops. Reason for him to advise against the motion. Nevertheless, the minister says he is willing to seriously consider a new exemption for cherry growers. He ...

Source: Nieuwe Oogst